meningioma

[Citizen T]

I have a small 3 cm meningioma of the frontal lobe area and at the same time my nose feels constantly blocked....an exam showed that my turbinates are badly swolen but my septum is not deviated.   I also have a headache all the time behind my forehead.   My doctor doesn't even think its' related to the meningioma, but when the nose feels more blocked the headache feels worse, it almost feels like my head has a sandbag sitting on top, and my sense of smell is bad.   It kind of feels like a sinus headache but my sinuses are clear.   It's been going on a long time now and my allergy testing was normal but my turbinates stay badly swolen all the time.   There was a time when the lining of my nose appeared blood red and after anti biotics the redness when away and the head pain improved very slightly but still i have a continuious headache and blocked nose, almost like my head is stuffed full of wool.

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-SH]

First of all, keep in mind that I am unable to diagnose you because I am unable to examine you, this forum is for educational purposes. Meningiomas are tumors that grow from the meninges (covering of the brain) and are most often benign/incedental findings. Meningiomas can cause problems if they grow big enough to push on other structures sometimes causing headaches, seizures and/or local mass effect symptoms( for example: weakness in an arm if the tumor pushes on the motor area of the arm). The headaches precipitated by meningiomas are often migraine headaches or headaches associated with increased intracranial pressure.  I would recommend that you see a ophthamologist to see if there is any swelling in the backs of your eyes (papilledema) or a visual field defect.  I would also recommend you talk to your neurologist about starting elavil 10 mg at night before bed to improve your headaches.  If there are signs of increased intracranial pressure (on the eye exam) then you should contact a neurosurgeon reguarding possible surgery.  I hope this has been helpful.

[Citizen T]

do you think a short course of steroids may help?